Three men have been charged with attempting to enter Canada with undeclared firearms at southern Alberta ports of entry over the weekend.

The recent cases bring the total number of firearms seizures in southern Alberta to 33 so far this year — sixteen of them this month.

On Friday, Canada Border Services Agency officers at the port of Chief Mountain seized an undeclared .357 revolver and two speed loaders, each containing 12 rounds of ammunition, concealed in a pop-up tent trailer, said CBSA spokeswoman Lisa White.

Michael James Littlehorn, 60, of Golden, Colo., was charged with two Customs Act offences. He was released and is expected to appear in Lethbridge court Oct. 15.

The following day, border officers located a second undeclared .357 revolver, in the centre console of a vehicle, this time at the port of Coutts, White said.

Clint Corey Not Afraid, 24, of Fort Smith, Mont., was charged with two counts under the Customs Act and has been remanded until his next court appearance in Lethbridge on Friday.

And on Sunday, Daniel E. Helton, 51, of Goshen, Ohio, was charged with two counts under the Customs Act and two counts under the Criminal Code after officers discovered an undeclared, loaded .40-calibre pistol.

“It was fully loaded, ready to fire and within reach (inside the vehicle),” White said.

Helton was released until his next court appearance scheduled for Oct. 15 in Lethbridge.

White said she’s not sure why there have been so many firearm seizures so far this month, adding now is one of CBSA’s busiest travel times.

But she said these cases highlight the importance of following all the rules when coming into the country.

“It’s not illegal to bring firearms into Canada, but there are requirements that have to be followed,” she said.

Travellers are reminded to declare all goods they are bringing into Canada, including firearms and weapons. Canadian residents and non-residents importing firearms and weapons into the country must declare the goods and meet all licensing and registration requirements outlined in the Firearms Act.

cho@calgaryherald.com

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